GARY BADGETT BANNED FROM WORKING WITH CHILDREN AFTER BROMLEY CHILD PORN SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the local community in Bromley, Gary Badgett, a man with a long-standing history as a boys’ football referee, was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. Badgett, aged 66 and residing at Heron Court in Bromley, had dedicated over four decades of his life to officiating youth football matches, earning respect within the local sports community. However, his reputation was severely tarnished when authorities uncovered evidence of his involvement in child exploitation material.

The incident came to light on November 18, 2008, when Badgett was caught viewing indecent images of young boys at an internet café located in Chatterton Road, Bromley. The café owner, noticing inappropriate images of naked children on the computer Badgett had been using, took the initiative to review the internet history. This review revealed multiple visits to child pornography websites, prompting the owner to report the matter to Bromley police authorities.

Following the report, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Badgett’s residence three days later. During the search, they discovered a significant collection of indecent images depicting young boys. Among these images, some were classified at the highest level of depravity, including one disturbing photograph showing a boy engaged in a sex act with another boy. The evidence was overwhelming and led to Badgett’s arrest and subsequent trial.

At Croydon Crown Court, Badgett was convicted on six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing a total of 74 such images. Despite his long-standing role as a referee and his membership in the Football Association, Badgett attempted to deny responsibility. He claimed that someone else had downloaded the images onto the computer at Chatterton Video and that the images found in his flat had been planted there by an unknown third party. However, investigators found that the images were kept in an envelope bearing Badgett’s handwriting, undermining his claims.

On November 26, 2010, Badgett was sentenced to six months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years and was permanently banned from working with children. The case has left many in Bromley questioning the trust placed in individuals involved in youth sports and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.

Detective Constable Neil Buckmaster, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “Badgett has betrayed the trust placed in him by parents and by the FA.” The verdict serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind seemingly respectable facades and the ongoing need for thorough scrutiny in safeguarding children.